Venezuela War Gamble: A Lack of Purpose Endangers Trump's Legacy
The Conversation US piece argues that major U.S. regime-change wars have political costs and tend to start with a grand narrative that galvanizes public support. There is currently no such clear mission for Venezuela, making any potential U.S. military action risky and unpopular with the public. Polls show limited support for intervention, a divided political landscape, and growing calls in Congress for explicit presidential authorization. The author cautions that leaders can become politically boxed in by their own rhetoric (audience costs) and suggests avoiding firm commitments and pursuing non-military measures unless a coherent, widely supported objective emerges; otherwise, any U.S. deaths or setbacks could damage Trump’s legacy.
